Jenny walked across to study the painting. ‘It’s beautiful. You must tell me where the exhibition is. I’d like to see more of your work.’

Elise felt tears well in her eyes and fumbled for a handkerchief. ‘Sorry. I don’t usually act like a watering can, but it’s been a horrid day. Mary tricked me into her car and tried to take me forcibly to the care home.’

‘She did what?’

Elise repeated it with more detail.

‘Not a good way to do things. We’ll try to do better from now on, but you are going to need some help, my dear. Where are you going to be staying tonight?’

‘Here. With Victor. He has a lift so I won’t have to negotiate the stairs. Well, I don’t think I could.’

‘Good. If I may, I’ll come and see you again in a couple of days and we’ll make some long-term plans.’

‘Checking on me?’

‘Yes. My job is to provide a service to help older people to live independently. I prefer not to put people into homes, if there are alternatives. They don’t always thrive there. You’ll find dealing with your niece easier if I’m on your side. Though I don’t think she’s trying to be malicious.’

Elise sighed. ‘Nor do I. It’d be easier if she was. Mary’s rather ageist, I’m afraid. I think that’s because she’s had some bad experiences with older relatives. She’s in for a shock when she turns seventy! I wish I could be there to see it.’

Jenny laughed and stood up. ‘I think the mere act of turning seventy upsets a lot of people. I meet some wonderful oldies in my job as well as some sad cases.’

When they went back into the other room, Elise said, ‘Can I have my house keys back, Mary and Kerry?’

Mary flushed. ‘You gave them to us, Auntie. We didn’t steal them from you.’

‘Well, I’m taking them back now.’

‘I think it’d be better if I kept them a bit longer. We made a start on packing up your household things. If you’re determined to continue putting yourself in danger, we’ll have to go back and unpack them again.’

‘I’d rather you didn’t come near me or my house for a good long time, thank you very much.’ She held out her hand. ‘My keys, please.’

Mary exchanged a long-suffering glance with her sister and they both fumbled in their handbags for them. She scowled at Victor as she added, ‘You know where I am if my aunt needs help, Mr Pinkett. I think I’m in a better physical state to help her than you are.’

For a moment, her unkind words silenced the others, then Victor started to get up. ‘Let me show you two out.’

‘I’ll do it,’ Gordon said quickly. ‘You stay there, Uncle.’

When Gordon came back, he said, ‘My goodness, your niece doesn’t give up easily, does she, Mrs Carlton? She gave me a mouthful before she’d step outside, about not letting my uncle take advantage of you.’